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cenutrio · Nov 11, 2010, 12:41 PM

Hi Guys,

I have a small apartment in Spain with no TV, but a 24¨iMac (2008, running 10.6). Instead of buying a new TV, I rather use the iMac, the screen should be plenty, and I do not waste space.

I know there are solutions from El Gato, and from SlingMedia. Still, I'm quite bad at TV technology, thus I rather ask for your advice.

Are these solutions worthy? any recommendations? Also, I have iPad and laptops, do these tools help sharing the TV signal? Spanish TV is not that great, I rather watch UK's BBC, or US PBS, Discovery, etc, kind of channels, can these tools help me to achieve this? BTW, I do not have any TV cable subscription, or anything, although I know the building (which is quite new and well built) got all the connections.

I appreciate all your suggestions very much. Sorry If I sound a bit TV tech challenged, I really am

Regards,

cenutrio

subego · Nov 11, 2010, 12:55 PM

AFAIK, all the stuff that Sling does requires an actual TV. What their technology does is stream an image from that TV, and gives you the ability to control that TV remotely (change the channel, etc.)

I don't have an El Gato unit, but I've only heard good things about them, though I don't think this will help with non-local signals.

imitchellg5 · Nov 11, 2010, 01:00 PM

Yes, Sling requires a TV. EyeTV requires a cable subscription and works quite well, but obviously you'll only be able to get channels that you subscribe to.

residentEvil · Nov 11, 2010, 02:00 PM

WRONG...

Slingbox does NOT require a TV; it requires a video source be it a dvd, vcr, cable box (with service), or satelite receiver (with service). you never need a TV hooked up.

video source -> slingbox -> internet connection -> remote computer/cell phone

imitchellg5 · Nov 11, 2010, 02:15 PM

Don't you have to have a TV to do initial setup?

Salty · Nov 11, 2010, 06:41 PM

I gave up on TV a while ago... just got a membership to a really good torrent site that has like every TV show ever... way cheaper than buying cable and a DVR, and I get to watch the few shows I like on my terms not the network's.

Teronzhul · Nov 11, 2010, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by imitchellg5

Don't you have to have a TV to do initial setup?

I don't know about prior generation slingboxes, but I just bought a slingbox solo, and it did not require a display device for initial setup.

ort888 · Nov 11, 2010, 07:00 PM

Apple really needs to make an iMac with an HDMI in port.

I bet there are a lot of people who would love to use one as their only TV.

residentEvil · Nov 11, 2010, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by imitchellg5

Don't you have to have a TV to do initial setup?

setup is done via the slingbox's application you install on your computer the first time and/or sling's website. the app will find the device on it's local network (same for the web with a little setup online) pretty slick. plug it into your network and register the MAC (that is NIC address) and create an account on the sling's website. from there, you select the video source, tell it the remote commands if it doesn't find it automatically...and off your go. the box talks back to sling's website and you can do it all online.

residentEvil · Nov 11, 2010, 07:23 PM

but either way; the sling isn't a solution for the OP question. as it isn't a TV service. it simply is a device to put your current TV service (or dvd/vcr) video feed online so you can view it/control it remotely.

residentEvil · Nov 11, 2010, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

Apple really needs to make an iMac with an HDMI in port.

I bet there are a lot of people who would love to use one as their only TV.

while not on my iMac; i have a USB to HDMI adapter for just such things. use it on my laptop.

moonmonkey · Nov 16, 2010, 07:31 AM

I would set up an VPN in the uk and watch all my tv via BBC iPlayer.

Phileas · Nov 17, 2010, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by moonmonkey

I would set up an VPN in the uk and watch all my tv via BBC iPlayer.

This. Do the same for the US and you don't need cable.

moonmonkey · Nov 17, 2010, 04:35 AM

Originally Posted by Phileas

This. Do the same for the US and you don't need cable.

Its not offen when the cheapest option is the best option, but this is one of those times.
https://www.expatsurfer.co.uk/ is very popular in Hong Kong for UK content.

Phileas · Nov 17, 2010, 10:24 AM

Cheapest? They are asking £70.00 a year, about $115.00. That's ridiculous, given that companies like Strong VPN offer an identical service for $50.00 a year.

moonmonkey · Nov 17, 2010, 05:24 PM

I was saying a VPN is the cheapest solution, not that particular VPN.

Railroader · Nov 20, 2010, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by imitchellg5

EyeTV requires a cable subscription and works quite well, but obviously you'll only be able to get channels that you subscribe to.

No, it doesn't.

I use an EyeTV to watch Over-The-Air broadcasting here in Indianapolis. We get all the major networks in HD. [ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, CW, and PBS.]